HexClad 12-inch vs 360 Cookware 11.5-inch

HexClad sells release: a ceramic nonstick coating protected by steel ridges, so you can use metal utensils, put the pan in the dishwasher and still sear on the peaks¹³. The price of that is a coating to look after: a seasoning step at the start, a lower burner than you are used to, and a warranty that excludes excessive heat, misuse of sharp utensils and improper cleaning²⁴.

360 sells the absence of a coating: 'Your food cooks directly on high-quality stainless steel', with no layer 'designed to create food release that can wear away over time'⁶. The price of that is technique and a sink: preheat until water beads glide, keep to low or medium, let proteins release on their own, and hand wash after the pan cools, because 360 says dishwasher detergent can damage the exposed aluminum at the rim and may affect warranty coverage⁷⁹.

Size is closer than the names suggest. HexClad gives an 11.4 in flat bottom for its 12-inch pan; 360 gives an 11.43 in inside cooking diameter and a 12.18 in rim for its 11.5-inch pan¹⁵. On the stove they are the same pan-width; the HexClad is 1.9 in deep against 360's 1.93 in¹⁵.

HexClad: 'HexClad cookware products carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects. Damage occurring from improper use, including but not limited to excessive heat, abuse, neglect, improper storage, misuse of sharp utensils, improper cleaning, improper seasoning, or use in a foodservice setting is not covered by our lifetime warranty.' 'Our warranty is limited to the original customer, or in the case of a gift, the original recipient of the product, with proof of purchase and is non-transferrable. Our warranty only covers products purchased new from HexClad or authorized sellers. Commercial/restaurant use is not covered under any warranty.' 'HexClad will replace any damaged products covered by the lifetime warranty; however, the customer may be held responsible for return shipping fees.' 'ALL WARRANTY PERIODS BEGIN THE DATE THAT PRODUCT IS RECEIVED BY CUSTOMER'⁴.

360 Cookware: 'The cookware you've invested in is warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for the lifetime of the cookware. All electrical components are warranted for 2 years. The original purchase will be registered in our database as proof of purchase. Any heir to the cookware must provide a copy of the original purchase for replacement.' 'If your cookware is damaged or destroyed by fire, abuse, accident, theft, or natural disaster, all original purchases may be replaced at 50% of the retail price at the time of replacement. A police/fire report, or a letter explaining the accident, must be submitted.' 'The manufacturer's liability under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the defective product at the manufacturer's sole option.' Claims go to the Americraft Cookware customer service department⁸; the help center adds that dishwasher use 'can void the warranty of certain products'⁹.

360 is simple: 500°F for the fry pan, and 350°F with the broiler off if your piece has the Classic line's phenolic handle or knob⁵⁸. HexClad's 12-inch page states 900°F for the pan and 400°F for its glass lid; its 6-piece set page states 500°F in one place and 900°F in another¹². For a covered dish the 400°F lid governs; for a bare pan, 500°F is the lower of HexClad's two statements and the one we would plan around until the maker reconciles them. The oven-safe guide applies the same lowest-number rule to Caraway, Le Creuset and Lodge.